Mitsubishi Outlander vs Kia Sportage: A Comprehensive Comparison

Compare Mitsubishi Outlander vs Kia Sportage – In the ever-evolving SUV market of 2023, the Mitsubishi Outlander and Kia Sportage have emerged as popular choices, captivating the attention of potential buyers.

As the demand for SUVs continues to rise, it becomes essential for car enthusiasts to discern the differences between these two impressive models.

This comprehensive comparison will delve into various aspects of the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander and the 2023 Kia Sportage, allowing you to make an informed decision when choosing your next SUV.

What is the Difference Between Mitsubishi Outlander and Kia Sportage?

The Mitsubishi Outlander and the Kia Sportage are both popular choices in the competitive SUV market, but they have distinct differences that set them apart. Let’s explore the key differences between these two vehicles.

Pricing

When it comes to pricing, both the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander and the 2023 Kia Sportage offer competitive options, catering to different budgets and preferences.

– 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Price:

The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander starts at $27,595, offering a base ES version with front-wheel drive (FWD).

Remarkably, this price is $200 less than its equivalent from the previous year, providing a more attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.

For those seeking all-wheel drive (AWD) capabilities, an additional $1,800 is required. Additionally, premium paint options are available at an extra cost of $595, allowing buyers to personalize their Outlander further.

– 2023 Kia Sportage Price:

Kia’s 2023 Sportage lineup also presents diverse pricing options. The base FWD version of the 2023 Sportage LX starts at $26,290, making it a slightly more affordable option compared to the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.

For buyers desiring AWD functionality, a $1,800 premium is applied. The X-Line trim, which is the most popular option, begins at $31,090, offering additional features and enhancements.

For those seeking the ultimate luxury and performance, the top-of-the-line X-Pro Prestige model starts at $37,090, delivering a premium driving experience.

In terms of pricing, the Mitsubishi Outlander presents a more budget-friendly option with a slightly higher base price than the base Kia Sportage LX.

However, Kia’s Sportage offers a wider range of trims and features, accommodating buyers with varying preferences and priorities.

Read also: Kia Sorento vs Mitsubishi Outlander

Fuel Economy

The fuel economy of the Mitsubishi Outlander varies depending on the drivetrain. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) Outlander achieves an EPA-rated 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

On the other hand, the front-wheel-drive (FWD) version of the Outlander sees a slight improvement, achieving an EPA-rated 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

It’s important to note that during a 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, the real-world fuel efficiency of the AWD Mitsubishi Outlander was 26 mpg, falling slightly short of its EPA estimate.

For the Outlander PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), when running on gasoline, it is rated for 25 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

However, when taking its electric driving range into account, the government rates it for an impressive 64 MPGe combined.

While the 2023 Kia Sportage offers competitive fuel efficiency ratings from the EPA. When equipped with front-wheel drive (FWD), the Sportage achieves an EPA-rated 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

Opting for all-wheel drive (AWD) results in slightly lower fuel efficiency, with the AWD models earning an EPA-rated 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

While real-world fuel economy test results on the 75-mph fuel-economy route are yet to be obtained for the Sportage, the EPA ratings indicate decent fuel efficiency for both FWD and AWD versions.

In summary, the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander offers competitive fuel efficiency in both FWD and AWD configurations, with the added benefit of impressive fuel economy for the Outlander PHEV when considering its electric driving range.

The 2023 Kia Sportage also provides decent fuel efficiency ratings, especially with FWD, making it an appealing option for those looking to optimize fuel consumption.

Dimensions

The dimensions of the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander and the 2023 Kia Sportage play a significant role in determining their practicality, interior space, and overall suitability for different lifestyles.

– 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander

Dimensions:

Front Seat Dimensions:

Rear Seat Dimensions:

– 2023 Kia Sportage

Dimensions:

Front Seat Dimensions:

Rear Seat Dimensions:

In terms of dimensions, the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander offers a slightly longer body compared to the 2023 Kia Sportage, providing more cargo space and interior volume.

However, the Sportage boasts a longer wheelbase, which might translate to improved stability and ride comfort.

Additionally, both SUVs offer generous front and rear seat dimensions, ensuring a comfortable ride for passengers.

Read also: Kia Sorento vs Lexus NX

Colors Options

The color options for both the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2023 Kia Sportage allow buyers to customize their SUVs to reflect their personal style and preferences.

– 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Colors:

Exterior Colors:

• Red Diamond
• Alloy Silver Metallic
• Mercury Gray Metallic
• White Diamond
• Black Diamond
• Cosmic Blue Metallic
• Labrador Black Metallic

Interior Colors:

• Black, leatherette

The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander presents a diverse range of exterior color choices, including elegant metallic shades like Red Diamond, Alloy Silver Metallic, Mercury Gray Metallic, and White Diamond.

For those looking for a bolder appearance, the Black Diamond, Cosmic Blue Metallic, and Labrador Black Metallic options might be enticing.

Inside, the Outlander offers a sophisticated Black leatherette interior, combining comfort and style.

– 2023 Kia Sportage Colors:

Exterior Colors:

• Ebony Black
• Dawning Red
• Jungle Green
• Wolf Gray
• Sapphire Blue
• Glacial White Pearl
• Gravity Gray

Interior Colors:

• Sage Green, leatherette
• Saturn Black, leatherette

The 2023 Kia Sportage offers an eye-catching selection of exterior colors, including classic choices like Ebony Black, Dawning Red, and Sapphire Blue.

For a more adventurous look, the Jungle Green and Wolf Gray options add a touch of uniqueness. The Glacial White Pearl and Gravity Gray colors provide a sleek and modern appearance.

Inside the Sportage, buyers can choose between Sage Green or Saturn Black leatherette interiors, adding a touch of luxury and comfort to the driving experience.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for both the 2023 Kia Sportage vs Mitsubishi Outlander, and both SUVs offer a range of advanced driver-assistance technologies to enhance driver awareness and mitigate potential risks on the road.

The 2023 Outlander comes equipped with various safety features designed to protect occupants and prevent collisions. Some of the key safety features available in the Outlander include:

• Available Forward-Collision Warning and Automated Emergency Braking: This system helps detect potential front-end collisions and can apply the brakes automatically to reduce the severity of an impact or avoid a collision altogether.

• Available Blind-Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: These features assist the driver in detecting vehicles in their blind spots and approaching traffic while reversing, reducing the risk of side and rear collisions.

• Available Lane-Departure Warning and Lane-Keeping Assist: These technologies provide alerts if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane and can assist the driver in steering the vehicle back into the lane.

Additionally, the 2023 Outlander offers optional driver-assistance technologies, such as adaptive cruise control and a semi-autonomous drive mode, which further enhance the SUV’s safety suite.

Buyers can take comfort in knowing that Outlander’s safety features are designed to meet modern safety standards.

The 2023 Sportage also prioritizes safety with a range of standard and available driver-assistance technologies. Key safety features in the Sportage include:

• Standard Forward-Collision Warning and Automated Emergency Braking: This system helps prevent or mitigate front-end collisions by alerting the driver and applying the brakes automatically if necessary.

• Standard Lane-Departure Warning and Lane-Keeping Assist: These features provide alerts and gentle steering interventions to help the driver stay within their lane, reducing the risk of unintended lane departures.

• Available Blind-Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: These optional features enhance the driver’s awareness of surrounding vehicles, reducing the likelihood of side and rear collisions.

Furthermore, the 2023 Sportage offers advanced technologies like navigation-based adaptive cruise control and a remote parking feature, providing convenience and an added layer of safety.

It’s important to note that both the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander and the 2023 Kia Sportage have undergone rigorous crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Interested buyers can refer to these organizations’ websites to access the detailed crash-test results and safety ratings for each SUV.

Warranty

Both the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander and the 2023 Kia Sportage come with robust warranty packages, providing buyers with confidence and peace of mind in their investment.

Mitsubishi offers a competitive warranty plan for the 2023 Outlander, covering various components of the vehicle for an extended period. The warranty details for the Outlander are as follows:

• Limited Warranty: The limited warranty covers the vehicle for a duration of five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty protects against defects in materials and workmanship, providing comprehensive coverage during the initial ownership period.

• Powertrain Warranty: Mitsubishi’s powertrain warranty offers even more extensive protection, lasting for ten years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first. This warranty covers essential powertrain components, including the engine, transmission, and drivetrain, ensuring long-term peace of mind for the buyer.

• Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance: Mitsubishi does not provide complimentary scheduled maintenance as part of its warranty package. However, the generous length of its limited powertrain warranties compensates for the absence of this feature.

However, Kia stands out in the industry with its comprehensive and generous warranty plan for the 2023 Sportage, offering extended protection for both the limited and powertrain components.

• Limited Warranty: The limited warranty for the Kia Sportage provides coverage for five years or 60,000 miles, protecting against defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty ensures that the vehicle is safeguarded during the initial ownership period.

• Powertrain Warranty: Kia’s powertrain warranty is one of the best in the industry, offering coverage for ten years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty covers critical powertrain components, including the engine and transmission, providing long-term assurance for buyers.

• Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance: Similar to Mitsubishi, Kia does not offer complimentary scheduled maintenance as part of its warranty package. Nevertheless, the extensive coverage provided by its limited powertrain warranties makes up for the absence of this feature.

Both the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander and the 2023 Kia Sportage offer impressive warranty plans, with extensive coverage for their limited powertrain components.

While neither manufacturer includes complimentary scheduled maintenance, the generous length of their warranties provides buyers with substantial protection against potential defects and issues during the early years of ownership.

Read also: Kia Sportage vs Kia Sorento

Specifications

The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander and the 2023 Kia Sportage both come equipped with capable engines, offering a balance of performance and efficiency to meet the demands of modern SUV buyers.

– 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Specs:

The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander is powered by a 2.5-liter inline-4 gas engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque.

The engine features direct injection and variable valve timing, optimizing fuel efficiency and performance.

The Outlander comes with a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) transmission, providing smooth and efficient power delivery.

In terms of towing capacity, the Outlander can tow up to 2,000 pounds and has a payload capacity of 1,555 pounds, making it a versatile SUV for various hauling needs.

– 2023 Kia Sportage Specs:

The 2023 Kia Sportage is equipped with a 2.5-liter inline-4 gas engine, generating 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque.

Like the Outlander, the Sportage also features variable valve timing and a double overhead cam (DOHC) configuration, promoting efficient performance.

The Sportage comes with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, offering a blend of responsiveness and smooth gear changes.

With all-wheel drive (AWD), the Sportage provides enhanced traction and stability on various road conditions.

It boasts a maximum towing capacity of 2,500 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,016 pounds, making it well-suited for towing and carrying cargo.

In summary, both the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander and the 2023 Kia Sportage offer capable engines with competitive horsepower and torque figures.

While the Outlander comes with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission, the Sportage offers an all-wheel drive and an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, catering to different driving preferences and needs.

Whether it’s for daily commuting or weekend adventures, both SUVs offer reliable performance for a variety of driving scenarios.

Pros and Cons

Mitsubishi Outlander Pros:

Comfortable Ride and Front Seats: The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander offers a comfortable and smooth ride, ensuring a pleasant driving experience for both the driver and passengers.

The front seats are designed to provide ample support and comfort during long journeys.

• Generous Cargo Room: The Outlander boasts a spacious cargo area, providing ample storage space for luggage, groceries, and other belongings. The versatile cargo capacity makes it a practical choice for families and travelers.

• Generous Warranty: Mitsubishi offers a competitive warranty package for the 2023 Outlander, providing long-term protection and peace of mind for buyers. The lengthy limited and powertrain warranties offer additional confidence in the vehicle’s reliability.

Cons:

• Slow Acceleration with 2.5-liter Four-Cylinder Engine: While the Outlander is capable of daily driving, some reviewers have noted that the acceleration may feel sluggish with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, especially during highway merging and passing maneuvers.

• Voice Controls Aren’t Very Helpful: The voice control system in Outlander has received criticism for being less intuitive and not as responsive as some competitors’ systems, making it less user-friendly for certain functions.

Kia Sportage Pros:

• Stylish, Quiet, and High-Tech Interior: The 2023 Kia Sportage boasts a stylish and modern interior design, complemented by quality materials and advanced technology features. The cabin offers a quiet and comfortable environment for a refined driving experience.

• Roomy Seating and a Huge Cargo Area: The Sportage provides spacious seating for both front and rear passengers, ensuring a comfortable ride for all occupants. Additionally, the Sportage offers a large cargo area, making it convenient for carrying bulky items and luggage.

• Added Off-Road Capability with X-Pro Trim: The X-Pro trim of the Sportage offers enhanced off-road capability, appealing to adventurous drivers who seek to tackle rough terrain and outdoor adventures.

Cons:

• Standard Engine Supplies Leisurely Acceleration: Some reviewers have noted that the standard engine in the Sportage might not provide the level of acceleration desired by drivers seeking more spirited performance.

• Subpar Fuel Economy from this Engine Too: In addition to leisurely acceleration, the standard engine’s fuel efficiency has been criticized as not being as competitive compared to some other vehicles in its class.

Conclusion

The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander impresses with its comfortable ride, generous cargo space, and comprehensive warranty.

However, its base engine’s slow acceleration and less intuitive voice controls could be areas of improvement.

On the other hand, the 2023 Kia Sportage offers a stylish and tech-savvy interior, spacious seating, and a large cargo area, while the X-Pro trim adds off-road capabilities.

Nevertheless, its standard engine may not satisfy those seeking robust performance, and its fuel economy might not be the most competitive.

Buyers should carefully consider their priorities and preferences to determine which SUV aligns better with their needs and driving expectations.

RELATED:

• Mitsubishi Outlander vs Hyundai Tucson
• Kia Sportage vs Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross